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Bigger role for Wolff as Fry steps down as Mercedes F1 CEO

CEO Nick Fry, left, and team principal Ross Brawn of the Mercedes Formula One race team. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Nick Fry is stepping down as CEO of the Mercedes Formula One race team at the beginning of April, the team confirmed on Friday.

Fry has been involved in the team since its British American Racing (BAR) days, through the Honda and Brawn eras. Since the arrival of Toto Wolff as executive director of the team in January, it has been clear that a more streamlined management structure was likely to result.

Recently, Fry has been more focused on sponsorship activities, and that will continue for the time being. The organization says that he will “assist the team's commercial operations as a consultant until at least the end of 2014,” adding that executive director Wolff will take a greater role in day-to-day operations.

“I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with our team for the last 11 years and remain extremely proud of the fact that we took the team to its first race win and especially the double world championship in 2009,” said Fry.

“Equally important is the success of our commercial activities as we have managed to gain the support of some of the most important companies in the world, thereby building a strong foundation for the future success of the team.

“I believe that Mercedes AMG Petronas offers the best sponsorship proposition in Formula One and I look forward to continuing to assist the team and its partners over the coming years.”